Friends & Family Weekend Frequently Asked Questions

After the success of our 2024 Solar Eclipse Weekend, we couldn’t help but ask ourselves, “How can we do this more?” While we can’t recreate a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event, we knew we wanted to offer another weekend where folks of all ages could come together at our center. A weekend to connect, have fun, and step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life—that’s how Friends & Family Camp was born.

Friends & Family Camp is a family-friendly event, but it’s not just designed for families—it’s for anyone looking to connect and enjoy a weekend getaway. Whether you’re a group of lifelong friends who’ve been meaning to spend some time together, or just need a break from the routine, this event is meant for you! We welcome all groups and individuals who want to relax, have fun, and create lasting memories at Touch of Nature.

Registration is located on Touch of Nature's official website, ton.siu.edu. Once on our website, you could navigate to the page titled "Touch of Nature's Friends & Family Camp" and click on the "Register Now" button to secure your tickets, but we made this short cut here, just for you. 

Register Today

Pets are permitted at Touch of Nature as long as they are leashed. Pets are NOT permitted indoors. Only service animals will be permitted indoors. For those looking to bring their pet with them, please check out this list of local boarding options. We recommend inquiring about boarding as soon as possible due to the increased number of people in the area.

Pawsitive Pet Perfection

• 10.2 miles from Touch of Nature (15 minute drive)

Indian Creek Kennel

• 3.1 miles from Touch of Nature (4 minute drive)

KC's Pet Grooming and Boarding

• 13.3 miles from Touch of Nature (20 minute drive)

Central Animal Inn

• 16.9 miles from Touch of Nature (22 minute drive)

Great Paws Lodge

• 17.7 miles from Touch of Nature (23 minute drive)

Yes, a registration fee ensures an all-inclusive experience for attendees. This fee, offered at a per-person rate, covers our base-level lodging option and includes your meals from Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast, along with access to a range of engaging programs offered during the weekend.

The weekend will offer a variety of activities such as arts and crafts, guided hikes, evening campfire programs as well as high adventure activities like our Giant Swing! 

On-site accommodations consist of bunkhouse-style lodges or tent camping, providing a cozy and communal setting. Unless a family or group reserves a room in Littler Grassy Lodge, multiple parties may be placed in the same room.

Prepare for the full weekend experience by packing comfortable clothing, outdoor gear suitable for guided hikes, essential toiletries, and any personal items you may need. Don't forget your camera to capture the special moments, and most importantly, bring a curious spirit! Those staying in cabins or lodges should be sure to bring their own bed linens or sleeping bag as linens are not provided.

We've also included a handy packing list here to get you started! While it might not include everything you might bring, we wanted to help give you a good start!

Yes! All meals will be served at Freeberg Hall in Camp II. Meals will include Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner and Sunday breakfast!

Touch of Nature does have policies regarding the use of fires, grills, and camp stoves. See below for these policies:

• Fires may only take place in the designated fire rings located throughout Touch of Nature property. 
• Camp stoves are permitted but must not be left unattended while in use. Please be sure to tidy up the area and dispose of any trash or waste properly.
• Small charcoal grills are permitted but must not be left unattended while in use. Please be sure to tidy up the area and dispose of any trash or waste properly.

Anticipating the unpredictability of weather, we have contingency plans in place. In the event of inclement weather, we'll transition to indoor activities, ensuring the event remains engaging and memorable for all. 

Friends & Family Camp is thoughtfully designed as a weekend package, including a stay from Friday through Sunday and all activities planned throughout the weekend. At this time, single-night stays or single-day drop-ins are not available.

If you’re unable to commit to the full weekend, we warmly encourage you to join us for one of our other community events, like the Maple Syrup Festival, Haunted Hollow, Little Grassy Get Down, and more! There’s always something happening at Touch of Nature, and we’d love to see you there!

Check-in begins on Friday at 3 PM and extends until 7 PM. As the weekend concludes, check-out is scheduled for 11 AM on Sunday.

Of course! Guests staying at Touch of Nature over the course of the weekend should feel free to come and go as they please. We encourage guests to enjoy their time in southern Illinois and see all we have to offer!

For those seeking accommodations that are fully booked, a waitlist will be available. Register as usual through the portal on our website, which will not process payment but add you to the waitlist. If a spot becomes available, Touch of Nature staff will promptly contact individuals on the waitlist. Payment will be due in full 2 weeks after being taken off of the waitlist.  

Cancellations made at least 14 days prior to the start of Friends & Family Camp will be refunded, minus a $20 processing fee. Cancellations made less than 7 days before the event will not be eligible for an automatic refund. Refunds after this point will be considered on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of Touch of Nature staff.

For cancellation requests, please contact us at (618) 453-1122 or email ton@siu.edu.